A Post-Valentine’s Day Story: From HIV Victim to Rescuer

When we say Valentine’s day, the first things that often come to our minds are the sappy cards, chocolates, and flowers which became the day’s stereotypical highlights. However, we cannot deny the fact that oftentimes, it goes beyond those conventional stuffs. We cannot eliminate in the equation the serious issues entangled in this lovers’ special day and one of those is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV.

HIV in the Philippines

According to Department of Health‘s (DOH) National Epidemiology Center, there were reported 492 new cases of HIV in 2014, with 40 cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Two-thirds, or 134 of them, came from 15-24 age group and got infected through sexual contact.

From the 464 sexual contact cases, 250 were due to homosexual contact and 146 from bisexual contact.

DOH added that males having sex with other males was the predominant type of sexual transmission (85 percent) and 83 of the new HIV cases came from National Capital Region (NCR), Region 4-A, Region 2 and Region 11.

According to the recent Philippine HIV and AIDS report, there is a total number of 22,018 HIV cases recorded from 1984 to January 2015.

The latest tally showed that the top five regions with the most number of registered HIV cases were in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Visayas and Southern Mindanao. The AIDS-Free Philippines has also listed Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Angeles City, Pampanga in the metropolitan areas with the most number of HIV cases.

A Story Behind The Statistics

In many cases, being a part of statistics is not a walk in the park. To have a U-Turn is not also an option for it can’t change the direction they are heading to. The only remaining thing for them to do is to walk and to be optimistic with the journey that gives them drastic changes.

HIV, which could lead to AIDS, is a sexually-transmitted virus that currently torments almost 6,000 Filipinos. Though it represents only a very small parameter in the population of the Philippines, its sudden increase alarms different health administrators and institutions in the country.

It’s not only the matter of figures for in every single case added, there is a victim behind that number. In almost 6,000 cases, there are almost 6,000 stories with some kept untold. But one of them stands to tell his story, giving the remaining statistics an inspiration that being infected with HIV is not the end of it all. He rose to tell that it is possible to change their identities from being a victim into a rescuer. He is Artemus “Yomi” Arojado.

It was only last Jan. 5, 2013 when 33-year-old Yomi received a confirmation that he was an HIV- positive.

“Well, I ended up getting tested while I was still confined in the hospital in 2011 because the doctors already thought it might be needed for the reasons that I was confined for two weeks in the hospital though the life and death situation I experienced was averted and they still endorsed me to a doctor that specializes with infectious diseases.”

Being perplexed was his first response upon learning of the confirmation.

“I don’t have any choice at that point even though the infectious disease specialist explained to me the reason behind why… I guess because I had multiple unprotected sex before,” he confessed.

At first, it was indeed difficult for him. He even told that it is still quite unacceptable for him even at this very moment. When asked if he completely admitted everything to himself, he responded: “Well, yes and no, because there always comes a time that you would question why you cannot go back to the way you were before specially looking for a job which is difficult because I don’t believe the way others not disclosing their status which I know is one major factor that makes everything difficult. Plus, there are few PLHIV (People living with HIV) friendly environment which are not known to me so I am not able to get to where I need to be.”

He admitted that HIV affects every aspect of his life. It was difficult to adapt to the changes. As a matter of fact, it was also the reason of his unemployment.

“It is really difficult to apply to companies in the country because most of them ask why it took me a long time unemployed. That makes me disclose my HIV status.”

Despite the negative things and the predicament he had experienced upon acquiring HIV, he stressed that he began to appreciate people around him. Regardless of his current situation, he remained accepted by his loved ones.

“My mom said that she won’t be able to accept it if I die ahead of her. And she always affirms that she understands everything.”

Being optimistic even at this point is hard for him. But having people around who understand keeps him to hold on, no matter what. He even added that having his mom and his brother heartens him to go on. Moreover, he is also edified and inspired by the people who are sending him text messages, asking for guidance and disclosing to him their fears in having HIV. He confessed that being an encouragement to others is what encourages him to stand firm.

“Prepare their hearts first which is a very challenging thing because there will still be occasions that they will ask a lot of why’s. Look at the bright side of things. It will be an easier path to take. Second, prepare their minds with all the right information about the disease, how to manage it, how to teach others the right things about the disease so they will be able to correct all those misconceptions. And lastly, find a reason why they are still alive, what they can do not only for the PLHIV community but for everyone around them,” Yomi’s piece of advice to those who are being discouraged after having HIV.

Right now, he is the secretary, HIV Counselor, Online, Testing, Awareness and Educations Manager of Project Red Ribbon, an advocate group that provides care, assistance, counseling, outreach program and HIV testing for the HIV patients all around the Philippines.

The Government’s Move

With the large number of HIV cases recorded in the country, DOH has initiated an HIV behavioral and biological surveillance in 1993 called Philippines Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance System (IHBSS).

The surveillance data is collected and monitored regularly by the agency to provide data regarding HIV and its risk behavior prevalence which enables the country to respond actively to the treatment of the sickness.

The system aims to quantify the magnitude of HIV infection, to understand how HIV is spreading or how it will spread, to assist in HIV/AIDS program planning, to advocate prevention and care services and to aid in program evaluation.

Despite the statistics on HIV, DOH Secretary Janette Garin said that young couples can still celebrate together without compromising the health and safety issue.

“My advice is (for couples) to go with a group because if you two are alone, it would promote intimacy,” Garin said.

The health secretary also stressed the relevance of abstinence and promiscuousness among the young couples to avoid certain complications like unwanted pregnancies, HIV-AIDS and other infections. (PNA) Antonette Tagnipez and Mariane Clarize Noriega LAM/CLTC/ABTAGNIPEZ-MCVNORIEGA-OJTS